White Sands and Speedos

Trip Start Oct 04, 2005

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Flag of Australia Maroochydore, Australia
Saturday, October 22, 2005

After slaving away at my job that is all of 10 hours a week, trekking through the streets of Brisbane, sipping flat whites in cute cafes, and wandering around art galleries, I decided that I what I really needed was a vacation. As my friend Christina put it, a vacation from a vacation. So of we went with Julie, the mum in the house I'm living in, to Maroochydore. It took me and Christina about eleven tries to get the name right. I think it sounds like some sort of weird squawking bird found only in the depths of the Amazon, but really, it's a fun little beach town about and hour and twenty minutes away. We spent our morning laying out on the golden sand, lathered in sunscreen and faces covered with the hats we were told we must wear. It was a perfect beach day, and listening to the waves, I immediately fell asleep. When I awoke, Christina and I decided that we needed our exercise of the day and strolled down the beach. Now, part of the fun of going to the beach is people watching. The little kids rolling in the surf with a wedgy, covered in sand, and totally not caring...the hot Ozzy surfer guys all American girls swoon over...the lovey dovey couples strolling hand and hand...the man jogging in a speedo...and then another older man stretching in a speedo...and an even older man just standing in a speedo.... I started to get flashbacks of when I accidentally found myself on a nude beach surrounded by naked old men. What was with all the speedos?! Christina and I were in total giggle mode as it seemed every jogger that passed us was wearing a smaller and smaller, tighter and tighter speedo. And suddenly we looked at each other, both thinking the same thought. It was like that scene in The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy realized she wasn't in Kansas anymore. It had finally sunk in. We are actually in Australia, we are half way around the world, and our adventure is just beginning. We were not in the States anymore, Toto...I mean, you would never see a speedoed runner back home!

Post your own travel photos for friends and family Pictures

Christina and Me	Gorgeous!	Just me	Maroochydore
Sailboats are always so pretty!	Scenic Shot	swimsuit shot!	Totally want to do that...

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Comments

ado27 on Oct 22, 2005 at 02:25AM

Jealousy
So I may be in Pennsylvania at the moment being very envious of you as you bask in the southern sun. But I'm also very excited for you. Keep writing, because you'll treasure this journal later. And try everything, because you'll either have a great time or an awesome story. Love ya kid! ~Paul

kohlmoos on Oct 22, 2005 at 07:13AM

dad's speedo
I hate to admit this, Lacey, but i once had a speedo and when i was in goa i actually just wore a rag in critical places...but then i was not an old guy then. i recall that your uncle and nichols wore speedos in bali...doubt if i would join the mates on the beach this time. indeed enjoy the sun ... and the views! love dad

cattylax on Oct 22, 2005 at 01:24PM

re: dads speedo/jealous
I think I remember seeing a photo somewhere in your house of your 20 something dad in a rag type speedo/loincloth perched on the side of a mountian. He looked pretty damm good, however, I am not jealous of the sight for sore eyes speedos that you are probably seeing. Keep an eye out for Heath Ledger - i hear he is also a big fan of the speedo. Love and miss you in rainy DC! P.S UVA beat Florida State for the first time in 10 years - they were ranked #4. (Since I know you are such a huge football fan) - Catherine

bootsmom on Oct 23, 2005 at 03:14PM

Luke's speedo
Maybe we should buy Luke a speedo for Xmas. He can take it to Australia when he visits you in Jan. Great pixs! And a truly funny entry!

bootsmom on Oct 23, 2005 at 06:36PM

speedo galore in neighborhoos
Hey Lacy, taking a clue from what you have been seeing, your dad and I today ran through the neighborhood and down by Pentagon City in our new speedo's. God at the comments we got!! Mine was red and your dad's blue and we each had a star in the only place it could be placed. WE were not seeking to draw attention, but a couple of teenagers ask that we please go home and stop nauseating all the people on the street. Bean didn't even want to be seen with us. Anyway, you know I will do anything I can to try and improve my chances, but for some reason that I am sure you can understand all went to pot. Particularly the speedo's!! Anyway dear if you see my grandfather on the beach in his thong, just pay no attention. I love you. Your admirer and neighbor down the street. Uncle Frank, stud horse, who never scores

coolmose29 on Oct 24, 2005 at 12:40PM

King of Maroochydore circa 1974
G'day Lacey- Just wanted to let you know how much we've enjoy hearing of your travels. As an aside . . . I was once known as the 'speedo King of Maroochydore' . . . it was way back in 1974. I won sort of the equivalent of a wet t-shirt contest. Got a trip to Contadilla (sp?) Falls. I also did a lot of fishing on the Maroochydore River (bream on the in-coming tide!). Our love to the Shockleys. Ask Rod about a 'cleansing ale.' -jk

kohlmoos on Oct 24, 2005 at 08:27PM

Yeah, right...
Hey Speedo King of Maroochydore, I surmise that you won that contest in '74 in your dreams ...

coolmose29 on Oct 30, 2005 at 10:10PM

The potato . . . front or back
I was indeed the 'speedo king of Maroochydore' . . . how dare you doubt it! At the coronation, I had to do a little dance; sort of a go-go routine (as was the custom of the day in 1974). I wowwed the crowd by strategically planting a potato in my speedos (they were festooned with an American flag type pattern . . . I remember it like yesterday!). I don't quite recall whether I placed the potato in the front or the back? To make a long story short (and I don't mean to brag) . . . my little dance spawned a new industry in Australia--that of the gentlemen's revue. The industry has now evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. I think the best known today is the 'Thunder from Downunder' (Thunda from Downunda). To think it all started in Maroochydore with a single potato! -The Speedo King (of Maroochydore)

coolmose29 on Oct 30, 2005 at 10:17PM

Re: The potato . . . front or back
Just in case . . . 'Thunder's ' website is- http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/thunder-from-down-under.htm -The King

briancarr on Nov 5, 2005 at 03:49PM

Speedo Gallery
Hi, Lacey! I just wanted to add that the Speedo craze isn't confined to Australia--it's all over eastern Europe, too. If you're ever in Budapest, for example, be sure to check out the Palatinus baths of Margaret Island. There you'll find all manner of Speedo splediferousness, from corpulent damsels in bulging bikinis to demented old men in tightly drawn cover-your-eyes one-piece wonders. It's hilarious! I'm enjoying your missives, but I'm also rather jealous--I've always wanted to visit Australia! I even have a friend in Perth. Sigh ... Take care, and have freakin' fabulous fun!!! [Grin] ~Brian Carr